This course is an exploration of the impact of building materials on human health, society, and the environment. You learn about toxic exposure and the way toxic chemicals enter the human body. Finally, you consider vulnerabilities in communities and methods for making healthier material choices. This course covers a wide range of toxics and health concerns. It is designed to give you a basic understanding of healthier materials as context within the Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building specialization. This course is intended for anyone, but experience in design, architecture, or a similar field will be beneficial.
Building Materials and Human Health
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Building Materials and Human Health
This course is part of Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization
Instructors: Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
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4.9
(16 reviews)
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
12 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Assess the human health impact of toxic chemicals in building materials
Evaluate the health impact of building materials using current methods and resources
Apply strategies for reducing the health and environmental impacts of building materials throughout their life cycles
Skills you'll gain
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Assessments
3 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 3 modules in this course
Welcome to Toxic Materials in the Built Environment. In this module, we'll learn about how toxics get into the human body and the impact they could have. We will explore ways to lower exposure to toxic chemicals. By the end of this week, you will know how systemic injustices and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by toxic exposure. Let's get started!
What's included
10 videos6 readings1 assignment4 discussion prompts
Welcome to Cleaning Up the Material Life Cycle: Designing for Health and Sustainability. In this module, we'll learn about the life-cycle of materials and their relationship to human health and the environment. We will analyze health impacts that occur during the use phase of materials. You will discover material life cycle innovations that prioritize human health. Let's get started!
What's included
8 videos3 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
Welcome to How to Evaluate Building Materials for Health. This week, we'll learn about tools and methods for evaluating materials including disclosures, certifications, and rating systems. We will examine the planning for and implementation of healthier materials strategies. By the end of this module, you will have discovered some strategies that could be used to move toward healthier environments. Let's get started!
What's included
8 videos4 readings1 assignment1 peer review3 discussion prompts
Instructors
Instructor ratings
5.0 (6 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Public Health
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Johns Hopkins University
Parsons School of Design, The New School
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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